Suresh Kalpathi, CEO of Veranda Learning, has shared his insights into the growing trend of offshore university campuses in India, emphasising how they are increasing access to international education for the country’s middle-class families while reducing the financial and logistical barriers associated with studying abroad. Kalpathi believes that these campuses offer a unique opportunity for students to acquire globally relevant skill sets without the need to travel internationally.
“Offshore university campuses provide a cost-effective alternative for middle-class families in India, allowing students to pursue international education while staying closer to home,” Kalpathi said. He also highlighted the potential of these campuses to enhance industry-academia connections in India, helping students gain the skills required by global employers.
Kalpathi pointed out that India’s large and growing young population, coupled with policies that promote international higher education partnerships, makes the country an ideal destination for offshore campuses. “India offers the scale, talent supply, and an increasing demand for specialised programs tailored to specific industries,” he explained. He also emphasised the country’s expanding digital infrastructure, strong research ecosystem, and cost advantages, all of which make India an attractive market for foreign universities seeking sustainable growth.
While metro cities like Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai continue to be the preferred locations for offshore campuses due to their mature ecosystems and strong infrastructure, Kalpathi noted that Tier 2 cities are gradually gaining traction. “Tier 2 cities are becoming more attractive as students in these areas have higher aspirations and are increasingly seeking quality higher education,” he said.
Kalpathi identified Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad as emerging cities that could support offshore campuses, pointing out that these locations offer an ideal mix of infrastructure, industry partnerships, and a talented student pool. “These cities are not far behind the metros in terms of their potential to host successful offshore campuses,” he concluded.
In summary, Kalpathi’s comments underscore the growing importance of offshore university campuses in India, which could not only provide greater access to global education but also foster stronger connections between academia and industry, preparing students for the demands of a globalised job market.
